Having a premature birth is very common for those who are suffering from repro-immune disorders.

According to Mayo Clinic, a premature birth is a birth that takes place more than three weeks before the baby’s estimated due date. In other words, a premature birth is one that occurs before the start of the 37th week of pregnancy. In many cases, our little APAS/RID fighters are safer outside our womb so they are made to come out earlier than most.

I was a little lucky since my babies were not really considered preemies; Santi was delivered via caesarian section when he was on his 38th week and Lucia, on her 37th week and they were considered as early term babies but nevertheless, I empathize with the plight of preemie moms everywhere.

Giving birth to a premature baby is very challenging, especially since they stay in NICU until they are stronger. Lucia spent only one day in the neonatal intensive care unit but my heart was shattered a million times – I can only imagine the strength of preemie moms who stay in NICU for weeks, or months even.

There are many challenges having a preemie baby. One of them is getting them little outfits that fit them since standard sizes would be definitely bigger. When I was browsing one of the Facebook groups I am in, I came across an online shop for preemies and I would like to share this little chat I had with the founders of this shop:

Name of shop: Bairns Clothing
Established when: Nov 4, 2017
Facebook URL: facebook.com/thepreemiespecialist
IG name: @bairnsclothing

Clueless APAS Mama (CAM): How did Bairns Clothing start? 

Bairns is a Scottish word for child. We used the purple color (for the logo) because it means delicate and precious just like the flower lavender, which hence best described premature babies. The effect of purple is to uplift the spirit and it is also known for its nurturing tendencies. The baby’s footprint in the logo symbolizes the birth of a child; and also in Buddhism, it means beginning. Their footprints mark the beginning of their life. It is shaped like a heart because it means love. Love conquers the world; therefore, a preemie should feel love and be showered with affection to gain strength to fight. The heart on the sole of the feet symbolizes a beating heart or life. Preemies always fight for their lives so each beat of their heart is very precious.

CAM: Why did you put up Bairns Clothing?

Bairns was created through our first-hand experience as preemie moms. It was a struggle to find fit and comfortable clothes for our tiny warriors. But more than for aesthetic reason, we don’t want to cause worries to parents because of loose clothes that may cover the faces of their babies and might even lead to SIDS. Lastly, Bairns is all about giving back to the community, so it is tagged as CLOTHING WITH A CAUSE such that every purchase you make contributes to other NICU families in need.

CAM: What is unique about Bairns Clothing?

Bairns Clothing began with the purpose and willingness to help every preemie and their families. We have a social responsibility in helping NICU families through charitable works and support/guidance/inspiration through FB NICU Families and Preemie Support PH Forum. We cater to one basic need of preemies which is clothes. Specific clothes sizes for Filipino preemies that are made locally and affordable in price.

CAM: What are your product lines?

Tie-side with short sleeves, sleeveless and long sleeves; pajamas, mittens, booties, beanies, receiving blankets, plain onesie, statement onesie and printed onesie, outsourced preemie nappies, outsourced preemie/newborn sunglasses

CAM: Please share anything else you want your market to know.

To our future clients, we know that having a preemie is financially draining but let us not hinder our tiny warrior to wear decent clothes. Some moms will say “ok lang malaki, lalaki din naman sila”; and yes, while this is true, our preemies need the utmost care and fit clothes is the safest choice for them to wear to prevent any discomfort and SIDS. Bairns Clothing provides basic essential clothing from the tiniest (micro preemie) up to 3-kilogrammer preemie. You don’t need to go to the mall to buy clothes; we are just one click and call away for your needs and can provide next day delivery.

Also, Bairns is all about helping, so when you buy clothes from us you also help other NICU families. Once they have outgrown them, you can donate or resell the clothes.

Through the purchases of our previous clients, we can proudly say that we had been able to provide financial and medical assistance to NICU families through buying medicines that are rare like glucose tablets, providing fee for blood transfusion, medical equipment and monetary donation. We also held a small charity event at a government hospital providing basic preemie goodies.

Please continue to support and purchase preemie clothes from Bairns Clothing so we altogether can help more NICU families. Also to promote local industries and be proud to wear Philippine made!

CAM: What is your message to Preemie Moms?

We know how it feels and we know how much it hurts. We just want you to know that we have been there. We have been truly blessed out of circumstance that at first, it didn’t seem like much of a blessing. God loves us. Yet sometimes it doesn’t feel like He loves us.

Some NICU moms prayed for their little ones but they passed away even before they say goodbye. Some NICU moms prayed for their NICU graduate to grow up healthy but instead they watch them suffer from illness and complications from their prematurity. Most of the NICU moms prayed for that little extra money to make ends meet, but end up losing their resources.

What we didn’t realize that the very thing that is best for us isn’t the same as what we’re praying for. God hears each spoken need. He loved us too much to give us lesser things. God is watching over always, directing every moment we experience.

Through this journey, we realized that it wasn’t our preemies being in the NICU but about our transformation in Christ and allowing Him to be in control of everything.

Trusting in God is a daily walk and we are grateful that our journey has and still reminds us that He is in control and not us. Mommy, our warriors had been where your baby is now. It is okay that you are crying but never give up.

Never give up when your last defense is faith.

We share your burden.

The wonderful ladies behind Bairns Clothing

UST Pharmacy Batch 2000 classmates who happened to be preemie moms.

Joana Pauline Caoleng (Pharmacist, OFW)

Karen Anne Sia (Pharmacist, WAHM)

Jadie Suzette Tan (Pharmacist/SPED Teacher, WAHM)